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Newcomers of the year 2012: models with the highest growth rates

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K ompact SUVs are booming - no one proves this more impressively than the Q3. The 4.39 meter long model, when it went on sale in autumn last year, was the first with the new cross-modular construction kit, which is now also included in the A3 and VW Golf. The Q3 may be 24 centimeters shorter than the Q5, but you can hardly tell by looking at it. Another reason for the success: if you compare the prices of the basic diesel, the difference is around 5,000 euros. In addition to the good sense of space, the Audi Q3 impresses with its safe and agile driving behavior. In addition, it can be equipped with numerous electronic aids such as lane departure warning, blind spot warning and speed limit detection up to the parking assistant that can thread independently. What you shouldn't expect from the Q3: a variable and particularly spacious luggage compartment. Recommended engine: the 2.0 TDI with 140 PS.

Mercedes M-Class - third generation offers plenty of space

When it comes to the newcomers of the year, mix Mercedes Strong with - especially with the M-Class. The third generation is popular because it conveys a generous feeling of space in all seats, is solidly made and has a generous trunk volume (690 to 2,010 liters). It transports passengers comfortably and stress-free over long distances, especially with the cultivated, high-torque V6 turbodiesel in the 350 Bluetec (258 hp). The Mercedes M also underlines the character of a chic family carriage by the fact that three child seats can be mounted side by side in the rear or, alternatively, three adults can be comfortably accommodated. The turning circle is remarkable: at 11.8 meters, it is on par with a VW Tiguan and ensures that the M-Class is amazingly manoeuvrable even in the city. But it also makes a big impact as a towing vehicle for horses and sports equipment: With the optional trailer coupling, it can hook up to 3.5 tons.

Mercedes B-Class - between compact class and van

Even without the sandwich floor of its predecessor, the B-Class offers plenty of space and easy entry. Thanks to the lower center of gravity, the front-wheel drive is also noticeably more agile. However, the high-quality interior becomes particularly variablewith the Easy Vario Plus system, which for an extra charge of 672 euros contains a longitudinally adjustable rear bench with adjustable backrests. Since Mercedes only offers turbo engines with a lot of power in the lower speed range, the two basic engines in the 180 and 180 CDI with 122 and 109 hp, respectively, are sufficient. Despite extensive standard equipment (including aluminum rims, air conditioning, radio and collision warning), Mercedes still offers many options. The very good xenon light, the parking sensors and the cheaper of the two navigation systems are particularly recommended. With the sports suspension, however, the comfort deteriorates significantly.

Opel Zafira - both variants variable and spacious

In addition to the Opel launched the Zafira Tourer at the beginning of the year and continues to offer its predecessor for price-conscious buyers. It is available with two petrol (115 and 140 PS) and two diesel engines (110 and 125 PS) as well as a supercharged natural gas variant (150 PS). Those who opt for the tourer can choose between three petrol (115, 120 and 140 hp), four diesel (110, 130, 165 and 195 hp) and two gas engines (140 and 150 hp). The Ecoflex variants include a start-stop function and tires with optimized rolling resistance. The Zafira Tourer impresses with its neat standard equipment, variable interior, generous space and a clear body. The comfortable suspension and the stable brakes speak for the compact van as well as the numerous optional assistance systems. However, simpler operation of the infotainment system and a more precise transmission would be desirable. By the way, the optional AGR seats are highly recommended, but less so the 18-inch tires.

Hyundai ix35 - the Price breaker among SUVs

The ix35 is currently the best-selling model from Hyundai. Two petrol engines (136 and 163 hp) and three diesel engines (116, 136 and 184 hp) are available for the off-road vehicle built in Nošovice, Czech Republic. All-wheel drive is optional for some models and standard for the most powerful diesel. The sister model of the Kia Sportage convinces with a five-year guarantee with plenty of space and simple operation. Especially in the upscale versions, the equipment leaves nothing to be desired. Small trips off-road - assuming all-wheel drive - do not impress the well-made Korean. The high seating position ensures a good view to the front, the operation of the ix35 is not a mystery. Less liked the synthetic steering, the spongy chassis and the low variability. The optional navigation system with a large screen is recommendedand reversing camera.

BMW X3 - from handling king to luxury SUV

With the new X3, BMW the main weaknesses of the predecessor eliminated. The SUV impresses with more space for passengers and luggage, high suspension comfort and a material quality in the interior that corresponds to the price level. Top-class options such as the eight-speed automatic, the head-up display and an infotainment system that leaves nothing to be desired also reduce the gap to the much larger and more expensive X5. Despite the more comfortable set-up, the brand-typical agile driving behavior including direct steering was retained. The powerful and smooth-running six-cylinder diesel in the x-Drive 30d goes well with the pampering aroma. However, the x-Drive 20d with 184 hp, which is around 10,000 euros cheaper, is also fun. At the end of the year, the rear-wheel drive s-Drive 18d with 143 hp complements the rest of the four-wheel drive fleet and pushes the entry-level price to well below 40,000 euros.

Mercedes GLK - beefy instead of angular

What a few retouches do: After its facelift, the smallest SUV from Mercedes looks much more beefy and noble. As the automatic selector lever moved to the steering wheel, there was space in the center console for a wide shelf. Almost all the assistance systems in the large models also ensure contemporary safety. Since the chassis has also been adjusted to be more comfortable, the spacious, quiet and clear GLK as a relaxed alternative to the dynamic SUVs from Audi and BMW. With its high consumption, the 306 hp 350 is the only petrol engine to play only a minor role in the range. Almost as cultivated, but significantly more economical, the 350 CDI drives with 265 hp and an enormous 620 Nm of torque. The best price-performance ratio, however, is offered by the sufficiently powerful 220 CDI (170 PS), which can be combined with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Ford Kuga - the dynamic SUV

Although it was introduced in 2008, the Kuga is showing a respectable increase with an increase of over 28 percent. With the 2.5-liter gasoline engine (200 hp) and the two-liter diesel in two power levels (140 and 163 hp), the engine range is manageable. Only with the basic diesel one has the choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the other variants always bring their power to the road via all fours and can be coupled with an automatic transmission. Despite the off-road look, paved roads are the Kuga's preferred area, and that's where it does its job really well. Its suspension setup is agile and comfortable, and the brakes helpNeeds properly, and the logical and intuitive operation is no mystery. The fact that the Kuga is getting on in years is noticeable, among other things, by the lack of assistance systems, the increased fuel consumption and the limited variability. The confusing body also gives cause for complaint.

Audi A6 /A7 - no luxury car sells better

It is not easy for anyone who wants an Audi A6. First he has to choose between sedan, Avant or Sportback (A7), then he has to choose the engine: petrol (four), diesel (also four) or hybrid (only one). Now the decision between front-wheel and all-wheel drive as well as manual and automatic transmission, whereby a seven-speed double clutch transmission, an eight-speed converter or a continuously variable multitronic is used depending on the engine. Anyone who has worked their way through the 42 pages on equipment options will be compensated with ample space, comfortable suspension and a very fine, high-quality interior. Around 46,700 people have taken on this task since the beginning of the year and bought a model from the series. The A6 is particularly popular as a company car, with a commercial owner share of over 85 percent it is the front runner in the upper middle class.

VW Tiguan - strong golf competitor in-house

A remarkable 700,000 copies of the first series of the Tiguan were already sold, and the facelift model (since June 2011) is still in demand. No wonder: with a length of 4.43 meters, a Golf with a delicate off-road look has been created, which boasts a good sense of space in all seats, a high seating position and generous all-round visibility. The other strengths of the Wolfsburg SUV include ease of use, high-quality workmanship and practical design - ideally in combination with the 140 hp 2.0 TDI. However, the Tiguan received a minus point for its turning circle, which at twelve meters is on the level of a much larger Mercedes M-Class. On the other hand, there are pluses for the good suspension comfort, the comfortable seats and the problem-free controllability. And if you want to make maneuvering in parking spaces easier, you can order a steering assistant for an additional charge, which cranks in and out automatically.

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